Others who did not sign included close partners and BRICS members Saudi Arabia, the UAE and South Africa besides Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico and Armenia, it has been learnt.
Brazil, which was listed as an ‘observer’ on the list of attendees, also did not sign on the communique.
Addressing the summit, MEA secretary (West) Pavan Kapoor said: “In our view, only those options acceptable to both parties can lead to abiding peace. In line with this approach, we have decided to avoid association with a joint communique or any other document emerging from this summit.”
ET was the first to report that Kapoor will represent India at the meet. He said, “We will continue to engage with all stakeholders as well as the two parties to the conflict to contribute to all the earnest efforts to achieve lasting peace …Our participation in the summit and continued engagement with all stakeholders is with a view to understanding different perspectives, approaches and options to find a way forward for a sustainable resolution… We support any collective desire to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflict.”
Kapoor emphasised, “enduring peace can be achieved only through dialogue and diplomacy”.